Collapsible bag for carrying articles

ABSTRACT

A collapsible bag for carrying articles that includes a folding seat mounted on an exterior surface of the bag. The bag includes side frame members and a bottom plate that are individually pivotable relative to a base frame assembly to change the volume of the interior compartment of the bag. The bag is provided with various article retainers on its exterior surface to provide easy access to articles retained therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

This invention generally relates to bags. More particularly, theinvention relates to bags for carrying articles such as sportingequipment. Specifically, the invention relates to a bag that iscollapsible for storage and includes a folding seat that is movablysecured to the exterior rear wall of the bag.

2. Background Information

Sports equipment may tend to be quite bulky and difficult to transport.For example, a hockey player may require at least one stick, a pair ofskates, a helmet, gloves, shoulder and shin pads, elbow pads, pants,shirt, an undershirt, long underwear, and athletic support. Goalies needeven more equipment with large goalie pads added to the mix. A soccerplayer may carry at least one ball, shin guards, water bottle, warm-uppants, shirt, jacket and shoes. Typically, and if at all possible, allof this equipment will be carried in a large nylon or canvas carry bag.Not only is this an awkward method of transporting equipment but thereare a number of other disadvantages. One is that it is very difficult tofind a particular piece of equipment within this large carry bag. Ittends to be necessary to rummage through all of the equipment andnecessitates the removal of much of the equipment from the bag while asearch is made for the desired article.

This problem has been somewhat addressed in the prior art. For example,U.S. Pat. No. 5,139,308 to Ziman. The patent discloses a chair that ismovable between a folded position and an expanded position. When thechair is folded, the bag is moved to a position where it may bedetachably engaged with the seat to hold the chair in the foldedposition. Carry straps are provided to enable the user to carry thefolded chair.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,439,241 (Nelson) discloses a collapsible golf bag cartthat includes a foldable seat. The seat frame is pivotably connected tothe golf bag cart frame and is movable between a collapsed position andan expanded position. When a golf bag is to be carried in the cart, theseat is moved to the expanded position. The seat can only be collapsedonto the golf bag cart frame when the golf bag has been removed from thecart.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,760 (Pielocik) discloses a device that includes afirst, second and third frame assembly that are pivotably nestedtogether and are moveable relative to each other between a backpack modeand a chair mode. The first frame assembly has a pair of retractablefirst legs that are capable of supporting a rolled-up sleeping bag whenthe device is in the backpack mode and are extended and locked intoplace as the rear legs of the chair when the device is moved into thechair mode. A first storage compartment is pivotably mounted on thefirst frame assembly. When in the backpack mode, the first storagecompartment is positioned on the front side of the assembly and when inthe chair mode, the compartment is on the back side of the assembly.

The second frame assembly includes a seat and a second storagecompartment that are aligned with the first compartment when the deviceis in the backpack mode and are at right angles relative to the firstcompartment when the device is in the chair mode. The third frameassembly serves as the front legs of the chair when in the chair mode.Chains connected the first and third frame assemblies together so thatwhen the device is in the chair mode, the front and rear legs of thechair will not separate from each other.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,612 (Buccioni) discloses a carrier for hockeyequipment. The device is molded from high-impact plastic, is generallyrectangular in shape and includes slidable trays for retainingequipment. The carrier includes clamps on its rear wall and at least onepair of wheels mounted at one end of the rear wall. The clamps areprovided to lock one or two hockey sticks in place such that they canact as handles to aid in wheeling the carrier along a surface when in avertical orientation. The carrier also includes other handles thatenable a user to carry the carrier in a horizontal orientation. Thesecarriers are quite cumbersome and difficult to transport even whenempty.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,264,078 (Bilang) discloses a combination bag and chairassembly. The seat is similar in configuration to a folding beach chairbut both the back and the seat areas are retained within zippered bagportions. Articles can be inserted into both of the bag portions so thatthey can be transported when the seat assembly is in a folded position.When it is desired to use the seat assembly as a chair the seat isunfolded, the zippers are opened and the articles are removed fromwithin the bag portions. So, essentially, this device is a folding chairthat has pockets for retaining some relatively flat articles therein.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,763,940 (Lai) discloses a sports bag that comprises asoft zippered body that is stitched to and retained on a rigid, wheeledbase frame. The base frame closes an opening in one end of the softbody. Two rigid shells are fixedly fastened to the soft body adjacent anopening in the end of the body opposite the frame. The shells aresecured to each other by a zipper. The shells and frame protect thecontents of the bag against impact.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,997,507 (Rhee) discloses a rucksack that includes adetachable folding chair. The back wall of the rucksack includes a hookand loop fastener region that is designed to mate with a complementaryhook and loop fastener region on the chair. A zippered cover is providedto cover and retain the folded chair within a pouch adjacent the backwall of the rucksack. The legs of the folded chair extend outwardly fromthe bottom of the pocket formed by the cover and back wall of therucksack. A spacer is provided on the exterior surface of the cover andis designed to be received in the small of a user's back. The spacerserves two purposes. Firstly, it provides a soft contact point betweenthe user's lower back and rucksack. Secondly, the spacer keeps thebottom ends of the chair legs away from the user's clothing.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0023282 (Duncan) discloses a sportsequipment bag that has a stool integrated into the interior compartmentof the bag. A seat member is secured over a portion of the top panel ofthe bag and over the top wall of the stool. The front wall of the stoolpositioned inside the compartment is slanted downwardly toward thebottom panel of the bag. The athlete is able to sit on the seat memberand position their foot on the slanted front wall so that they can moreeasily put a shoe on or take a shoe off.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The device of the present invention comprises a collapsible bag forcarrying articles that includes a folding seat mounted on an exteriorsurface of the bag. The bag includes side frame members and a bottomplate that are individually pivotable relative to a base frame assemblyto change the volume of the interior compartment of the bag. The bag isprovided with various article retainers on its exterior surface toprovide easy access to articles retained therein.

Specifically, the bag is designed for use by athletes to transportsporting equipment. In addition to the carrying abilities of the sportsequipment to and from the event or game, during the game the bag of thepresent invention has other functions. The bag may include a displayregion thereon, where the display provided in that region comprises asection of the team logo or graphic. The bag may also be connected toother identical dedicated bags to display the full team logo or graphicthereon. Additionally, when ganged together in this manner, the bags mayform a temporary bench on the sidelines.

The bag is soft-sided with a nylon outer shell attached to a rigid frameconstructed of metal tubing or other rigid or semi-rigid materials likecarbon fiber rods. The bag includes locking members which, whendisengaged, permit the sides of the bag's frame to swivel through about90 degrees and permit the bottom to flip up through around 90 degrees tocreate a reasonably flat and dense package. These features make iteasier to ship and store the bag when it is not in use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrative of the bestmode in which applicant has contemplated applying the principles, areset forth in the following description and are shown in the drawings andare particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in theappended claims.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bag in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the frame of the bag of FIG. 1with the fabric panels removed therefrom for clarity;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a first highlighted region of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the frame shown in FIG. 2 with theback support panel removed for clarity;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the frame with portions of thefabric panels shown attached thereto;

FIG. 5 a is a partial front perspective view of the frame showing thelocking member securing the side frame member in the extended position;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the bagshowing an expandable net extending outwardly from a side panel of thebag and retaining a soccer ball therein;

FIG. 7 is a front view of a third embodiment of the bag showing a pairof holding straps extending outwardly from the side panels of the bagand retaining a pair of goalie pads against the front panel;

FIG. 7 a is a left side view of the bag of FIG. 7 showing one of theholding straps and a pocket provided on the side panel of the bag;

FIG. 8 is a right side view of a fourth embodiment of the bag showing apocket on the side panel retaining a hockey stick therein;

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the bag of FIG. 1 showing a seatattached to the back of the bag with the seat in the folded storage ortransport position;

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the bag of FIG. 9 with the seat inthe expanded position and ready for use;

FIG. 11 is a right side view of the bag shown in FIG. 10 and showing thewheels mounted on the bag frame;

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the bag with the seat removed andshowing the connectors mounted on the sides of the bag;

FIG. 13 is an exploded partial perspective view of the back of the bagshowing the manner in which the seat frame is connected to the backpanel of the bag;

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of a plurality of bags in accordancewith the present invention shown joined together with a first one of theseats removed to show the connectors on the sides of adjacent bags beingused to join the bags together;

FIG. 15 is a right side view of an alternative embodiment of the bagshowing the wheels mounted on the seat frame;

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view showing the frame only andillustrating the side frame members folded inwardly;

FIG. 17 is a front view showing the frame only and illustrating thebottom plate flipped upwardly into contact with the folded side framemembers;

FIG. 18 is a side view of the folded frame illustrated in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the frame of the bag of FIG. 1with the fabric panels removed therefrom for clarity and showing asecond embodiment of a side frame member used in the base frame of thebag; and

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of the frame of FIG. 19, showing theframe only and illustrating the side frame members folded inwardly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-18 there is shown a bag in accordance with thepresent invention and generally indicated at 10. Bag 10 is made up froma plurality of flexible fabric panels 12 that are secured to a frame 26in any suitable manner, such as by stitching. Panels 12 make up anexterior wall of the bag that surrounds and defines an interiorcompartment 24 (FIG. 4) suitable for carrying articles such as clothingand sporting equipment. Suitable fabrics for the panels 12 include suchmaterials as nylon and canvas, with nylon being preferred because of itswater resistant properties. Frame 26 is made up of a plurality of rigidframe members manufactured from any suitable metal or compositematerial, or a combination of such materials.

The exterior wall of bag 10 is made up from a top panel 12 a, a bottompanel 12 b (FIG. 5), a front panel 12 c, a back panel 12 d (FIG. 9), aleft side panel 12 e and a right side panel 12 f (FIG. 9). Preferably,frame 26 and panels 12 a-12 f are configured in such a manner that, whenviewed from the side, bag 10 is narrower proximate its top end 10 a thanproximate its bottom end 10 b. This aids in keeping the bag's center ofgravity low when bag 10 is standing in a vertically upright position asillustrated in FIG. 1. In the embodiment illustrated herein, the widthof the top end 10 a of the bag, as measured between front panel 12 c andback panel 12 d, is around one half of the width “W” (FIG. 7 a) of thebottom end 10 b of the bag as measured between the same two panels. Itwill be understood that the exterior wall can be made up of any otherarrangement of panels and that bag 10 may take other shapes than thoseillustrated in the attached figures.

As shown in FIG. 1, a telescoping handle 14 is extendable outwardly fromtop panel 12 a when bag 10 is to be wheeled around on wheels 16. Handle14 may collapsed inwardly toward top panel 12 a when it is not needed asshown in FIG. 6. A pair of supports 18 are provided at bottom end 10 badjacent bottom panel 12 b. Supports 18 aid wheels 16 in supporting bag10 on a surface in the vertical upright position.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6, front panel 12 c defines an opening throughwhich the user may access an interior compartment 24 that is defined bytop, bottom, front, back and side panels 12 a-12 f. Front panel 12 cincludes a flap to cover this opening. A portion of the flap issubstantially continuous with the front panel 12 c and a peripheralouter edge of the flap is provided with a zipper 22 that selectivelysecures the flap to front panel 12 c. When the zipper 22 is moved in afirst direction, access to the interior compartment 24 is permitted.When the zipper 22 is moved in a second direction, access to theinterior compartment 24 is substantially prevented.

In accordance with a specific feature of the present invention, bag 10is also provided with a detachable panel 28 that is disposedsubstantially parallel to and adjacent an outer surface of the flap.Panel 28 is secured to the outer surface of the flap by a second zipper20. Second zipper 20 allows for complete removal of panel 28 from theflap. When second zipper 20 is moved in a first direction, panel 28 iscompletely detached from the flap. When second zipper 20 is moved in asecond direction, panel 28 is reattached to the flap. Panel 28 isremovable to allow for a graphic 30 to be applied thereto. (Graphic 30may take the form of a logo or image or both.) Once graphic 30 isapplied to panel 28, panel 28 is once again secured to the flap of frontpanel 12 c using zipper 20.

In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention,connectors 32 a, 32 b (FIG. 9) extend outwardly from back panel 12 bproximate side panels 12 e, 12 f. While connectors 32 a, 32 b aredescribed and illustrated herein as snap-type fittings, they may insteadbe any one of a wide variety of types of connectors including but notlimited to hook and loop fasteners, buttons and tabs with matingbuttonholes, zippers etc. It should also be understood that connectors32 a, 32 b may extend outwardly from side panels 12 e, 12 f instead ofback panel 12 d. The function of connectors 32 a, 32 b will be describedlater herein.

FIGS. 2-4 show the frame 26 in greater detail. Frame 26 comprises a baseframe assembly to which two side frame members 40, 42 and a bottom plate44 are secured. The base frame assembly comprises a top frame member 34,a back plate 46, a handle frame 50 and a back support plate 52 that aresecured to each other. The base frame assembly preferably also includesa pair of wheel assemblies each comprising a wheel well 48, an axle 49and a wheel rotatably mounted on axle 49.

Top frame member 34 and the members that make up handle frame 50preferably are all generally hollow tubes. Handle 14 is telescopinglyengaged in the members of handle frame 50 in a manner that is well knownin the art. Back support panel 52 is manufactured of a substantiallyrigid material, preferably a substantially rigid plastic. Back supportpanel 52 includes cut out regions that surround wheel wells 48.

In accordance with a specific feature of the present invention, firstand second side frame members 40, 42 and bottom plate 44 are eachpivotably mounted to the base frame assembly. First and second sideframe members 40, 42 are substantially identical to each other. Firstside frame member 40 is secured to first end 34 a of top frame member 34by a first pivot assembly 54. Second side frame member 42 is secured tosecond end 34 b of top frame member 34 by a second pivot assembly 56.Bottom plate 44 is mounted to back plate 46 of the base frame assemblyby a hinge 58. First and second pivot assemblies 54, 56 and hinge 58permit first and second side frame members 40, 42 and bottom plate 44 tobe individually moved between an extended position and a collapsedposition as will be hereinafter described. When all three of the firstand second side frame members 40, 42 and bottom plate 44 are in theirextended positions, the volume of compartment 24, as defined by theexterior wall of the bag 10, is at its largest. When one or more offirst and second side frame members 40, 42 and bottom plate 44 are movedinto their collapsed positions, the volume of compartment 24 is reduced.When all three of first and second side frame members 40, 42 and bottomplate 44 are in their collapsed positions, the volume of compartment 24is at its smallest. Thus, by moving these three members 40, 42, 44, bag10 may be expanded in volume for carrying articles or may be collapsedand reduced in volume for transportation or storage purposes.

First and second side frame members are substantially identical inshape. Preferably, in a first embodiment of the invention, both of theseside frame members 40, 42 are substantially D-shaped and they extendoutwardly and downwardly away from top frame member 34 in generally thesame direction as each other. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 16-18, first sideframe member 40 comprises a generally straight first leg 40 d and agenerally arcuate second leg 40 c. First leg 40 d connects at a firstend 40 b to first pivot assembly 54. Second leg 40 c extends outwardlyfrom the end of first leg 40 d remote from first end 40 b and isconnected at a second end 40 a to first pivot assembly 54. First end 40b is substantially fixedly secured to first pivot assembly 54 and secondend 40 a is pivotally connected thereto. First end 40 b and second end40 a are disposed generally at right angles to each other. The firstpivot assembly 54 is the only point of connection that first side framemember 40 has with the base frame assembly. First pivot assembly 54permits first side frame member 40 to be pivoted relative to the baseframe assembly around a first axis that is substantially orthogonal totop frame member 34.

As indicated above, first side frame member 40 is pivotable between anextended position and a collapsed position. In the extended position,shown in FIG. 2, both of the first and second legs 40 c, 40 d of firstside frame member 40 are substantially aligned with each other and aredisposed orthogonal to top frame member 34. Second leg 40 c extendsoutwardly and forwardly away from the base frame assembly. When firstside frame member 40 is pivoted from the extended position into thecollapsed position, the second leg 40 c thereof is moved through an arcof about ninety degrees, indicated by arrow “A” (FIG. 2) until it isdisposed generally parallel to top frame member 34. FIG. 16 shows firstside frame member 40 in the collapsed position. In this figure it can beseen that second leg 40 c is in close proximity to handle frame 50 andportions of top frame member 34 and back plate 46. Preferably, when inthis collapsed position, at least a portion of second leg 40 c is inabutting contact with at least a portion of the base frame assembly.Additionally, a portion 40 e of second leg 40 c is generally alignedwith hinge 58. When first side frame member 40 is moved from thecollapsed position to the expanded position, the second leg 40 c thereofis rotated in a direction opposite to arrow “A” through about ninetydegrees from the position where it is substantially parallel to topframe member 34 to the position where it extends generally outwardlyaway from the base frame assembly at an angle of about ninety degrees totop frame member 34.

Second side frame member 42 is substantially identical to first sideframe member 40 and comprises a generally straight first leg 42 d and agenerally arcuate second leg 42 c. First leg 42 d connects at a firstend 42 b to second pivot assembly 56 (FIG. 3). Second leg 42 c extendsoutwardly from the end of first leg 42 d remote from first end 42 bthereof and is connected at a second end 42 a to second pivot assembly56. First and second ends 42 b, 42 a are connected to second pivotassembly 56 in such a manner that they are disposed substantially atright angles to each other. Furthermore, first end 42 b is substantiallyfixedly secured to second pivot assembly 56 and second end 42 a ispivotally connected thereto. Second pivot assembly 56 is the only pointof connection that second side frame member 42 has with the base frameassembly. Second pivot assembly 56 permits second side frame member 42to be pivoted relative to the base frame assembly around a second axisthat is substantially orthogonal to top frame member 34 and is generallyparallel to the first axis.

Second side frame member 42 is also pivotable between an extendedposition and a collapsed position. In the extended position, shown inFIG. 2, both of the first and second legs 42 c, 42 d are substantiallyaligned with each other and second leg 42 d extends outwardly andforwardly away from top frame member 34 at an angle of around ninetydegrees thereto. When second side frame member 42 is moved into thecollapsed position, it is rotated through about ninety degrees in adirection opposite to the rotational movement of first side frame member40. The direction of rotation of second side frame member 42 isindicated by arrow “B” in FIG. 2. If first frame member 40 is rotatedinto its collapsed position before second side frame member 42, thenwhen second side frame member 42 is moved into the collapsed position,second side frame member 42 will be in close proximity to first framemember 40 and preferably is in abutting contact therewith.Alternatively, if second side frame member 42 is pivoted into thecollapsed position before first side frame member 40, then second sideframe member 42 will be in close proximity to handle frame 50 andpreferably will be in abutting contact therewith. The first side framemember 40 may then be pivoted into close proximity with that portion ofsecond side frame member 42 remote from handle frame 50. When secondside frame member 40 is in the collapsed position, a portion 42 e ofsecond leg 42 c thereof is disposed substantially aligned with hinge 58.

As mentioned previously, the first ends 40 a, 42 a are pivotallyconnected to first and second pivot assemblies 54, 56, while the secondends 40 b, 42 b are fixedly connected thereto. Thus, when each of firstand second side frame members 40, 42 are moved from their extendedpositions to their collapsed positions, the first legs 40 d, 42 dthereof remain substantially stationary while the second legs 40 c, 42 cthereof move in an arc. This causes first legs 40 d, 42 d to becomesomewhat flexed inwardly so that the lowermost regions of first legs 40d, 42 d proximate wheel wells 48 are disposed closer to each other thanare the ends 40 b, 42 b thereof.

Generally speaking, when first and second side frame members 40, 42 aremoved from the extended position to the collapsed position, they arerotated inwardly toward each other and when they are moved from thecollapsed position to the extended position, they are rotated outwardlyaway from each other.

As shown in FIG. 5 a and in accordance with a specific feature of thepresent invention, bag 10 preferably is provided with one or morelocking members 90 to retain first side frame member 40 in the extendedposition. Locking member 90 comprises a strap 90 a that is sewn orotherwise secured to side panel 12 e at one end. The other end of strap90 a is free of attachment to side panel 12 e. Strap 90 a is providedwith a D-ring 90 b or buckle through which the free end of the strap 90a is threaded after being wrapped around the portion 40 e of side framemember 40. Instead of a D-ring 90 b, strap 90 a may be provided withsnaps or hook and loop fasteners or any other type of other fastenerthat will permit the free end of strap 90 a to be quickly and easilyreleased and secured. When it is desired to move first side frame member40 from the extended position into the collapsed position, the athletedisengages the free end of strap 90 a from D-ring 90 b and then rotatesleg 40 c of first side frame member 40 inwardly toward handle frame 50.When it is desired to retain the bag 10 in the fully expanded position,leg 40 c is moved from the collapsed position to the extended positionby rotating it outwardly away from handle frame 50. The free end ofstrap 90 a is wrapped around portion 40 e of first side frame member 40and is threaded through D-ring 90 b.

Furthermore, one or more locking members 90 may be positioned to engagefirst side frame member 40 when in its extended position and otherlocking members may be positioned to engage first side frame member 40when in its collapsed position. Alternatively, at least one of lockingmembers 90 may be operative to lock first side frame member 40 in theextended position and in the collapsed position. When the lockingmembers 90 are disengaged, first side member 40 is movable between itsextended and collapsed positions. When locking members 90 are engaged,first side member 40 cannot be moved.

It will further be understood that instead of locking member 90 beingreleasably engaged with portion 40 e of first side frame member 40, itmay instead be positioned so as to engage either of legs 40 c or 40 d.Locking member 90 will therefore be positioned appropriately on one ofside panel 12 e, bottom panel 12 b, top panel 12 a, back or front panel12 c, 12 d, on first pivot assembly 54 or any portion of base frameassembly.

It will further be understood that types of locking member other thanthe disclosed strap 90 a and D-ring 90 b may be utilized to releasablyengage a region of first side frame member 40 in either of the extendedand collapsed positions.

A substantially identical locking member 92 is associated with the baseframe assembly and second side frame member 42. Locking member 92 may bedisposed at least partially on any of the members of base frameassembly, second pivot assembly 56, or exterior wall, and may engage anyof the legs 42 c, 42 d, 42 e of second side frame member 42. Whenengaged, locking member 92 locks second side frame member 42 in one orboth of the extended and collapsed positions. When locking member 92 isdisengaged, second side frame member 42 is moveable between its extendedand collapsed positions.

In accordance with yet another specific feature of the presentinvention, bottom plate 44, which is connected to back plate 46 by ahinge 58, is movable between an extended position (FIG. 2) and acollapsed position (FIGS. 17 & 18). When in the extended position,bottom plate 44 extends outwardly and forwardly away from back plate 46and generally at an angle of ninety degrees relative thereto. Whenbottom plate 44 is moved from the extended position to the collapsedposition, plate 44 is moved through an arc of about ninety degrees untilit is disposed substantially parallel to back plate 46. This movement isindicated by arrow “C” in FIG. 2. When bottom plate 44 is moved from thecollapsed position to the expanded position, it is moved through an arcof ninety degrees in the opposite direction of arrow “C” until it onceagain extends substantially outwardly and forwardly away from back plate46. Although not specifically shown herein, it will be understood thatbottom plate 44 may also be provided with a locking member to restrictor prevent its rotational movement.

When panels 12 a-12 f are secured to frame 26, a pair of rigid bracemembers 60 are secured over portions of back panel 12 d and side panels12 e, 12 f proximate wheel wells 48. Brace members 60 increase thestrength of the panels 12 d, 12 e and 12 f and provide additionalprotection against impact in these regions of bag 10. Similarly, astronger fabric or a rigid member may be provided as a brace member 62on a portion of one or both of bottom panel 12 b and front and backpanels 12 c, 12 d.

FIG. 6 shows bag 10 provided with a first type of a sporting equipmentretaining mechanism. In this instance, the retaining mechanism comprisesan elastic net 64 that is secured to one of the panels on the bag10,such as side panel 12 e. The net 64 is designed to securely retainsporting equipment, such as a soccer ball 200, in contact with theassociated side panel 12 e. Net 64 has a first end 64 a and a second end64 b. First end 64 a is fixedly secured to side panel 12 e proximate topend 10 a of bag and second end 64 b is fixedly secured to side panel 12e proximate bottom end 10 b of bag 10. The user inserts the piece ofsporting equipment between net 64 and side panel 12 e and spreads theelastic material of net 64 around the sporting equipment so that thesporting equipment is restrained against side panel 12 e. Additionally,one of the edges of net 64 between first and second ends 64 a and 64 bmay be fixedly secured to side panel 12 e so that net 64 comprises anelastic pocket that may be stretched open to receive the sportingequipment therein.

FIGS. 7 and 7 a show bag 10 provided with a second type of sportingequipment retaining mechanism. In this instance, the retaining mechanismcomprises two strap members 66 that are used to retaining sportingequipment, such as goalie pads 202, in abutting contact with one of thepanels on the bag 10, such as front panel 12 c. One end of each strapmember 66 is secured to one of back and side panels 12 d, 12 e or 12 f.This end of the strap member 66 may be fixedly secured to one of backand side panels 12 d, 12 e or 12 f, or may be temporarily securedthereto. The second end of each strap member 66 is provided with aconnector 68. The connectors 68 permit strap members 66 to be engagedwith each other to hold the sporting equipment 202 against front panel12 c and are disengaged to allow the sporting equipment 202 to beremoved for use. It will be understood that the strap members 66 can belocated in any location on bag 10 so as to retain articles against anyof the side, top and back panels. Furthermore, one or both of said strapmembers 66 may be selectively adjustable in length and one or both ofstrap members 66 may be made from an elastic or stretchable typematerial.

Alternatively, only a single strap member may be utilized on bag 10. Inthis latter instance a first end of the single strap member would befixedly or temporarily secured to the exterior wall of the bag and theother end would be provided with a first connector 68. A complementarysecond connector 68 would be secured directly to a portion of theexterior surface of the bag remote from the first end of the singlestrap 66.

Referring still to FIGS. 7 and 7 a, bag 10 may also be provided with athird type of sporting equipment retaining mechanism in the form of apocket 70. The fabric from which pocket 70 is constructed will befixedly secured to side panel 12 e along three sides and the fourth sideis not secured thereto. Consequently, an article of sporting equipmentmay be inserted into the open fourth side of pocket 70. This isillustrated in FIG. 8 where bag 10 is provided with only pocket 70 forretaining a piece of sporting equipment, such as a hockey stick 204,therein. It will be understood that bag 10 may be provided with one ormore of all three types of sporting equipment retaining mechanisms 64,66 and 70 thereon and that any of these retaining mechanisms may beassociated with any of the panels 12 a-12 f of the bag 10. Furthermore,bag 10 may be specifically designed for use with a particular sport andthus may include appropriately sized and shaped retaining mechanisms forsecuring the particular type of sporting equipment against the exteriorsurface of the bag 10 so that it may be quickly and easily accessed andstored.

Referring to FIGS. 9-14 and in accordance with yet another specificfeature of the present invention, bag 10 includes a seat 72 that ismovably secured to the back of the bag adjacent the exterior surface ofback panel 12 d. Seat 72 is movable between a folded position (FIG. 9)and an unfolded position (FIG. 10). When seat 72 is in the foldedposition, seat 72 is not available for the user to sit on. When seat 72is in the unfolded position, seat 72 is available for the user to siton. Seat 72 comprises a rigid seat frame 74 having fabric seat panelsmounted thereon. In particular, seat frame 74 comprises first and secondseat frame members 74 a, 74 b and first and second seat panels 76 a, 76b. First and second seat frame member 74 a, 74 b are pivotally connectedto each other by pivot pins 78. Seat frame member 74 b is connected tobag 10 by first and second pivot pins 94 that are secured to brackets80. The first pivot pin 94 is disposed adjacent a first one of the wheelwells 48, and the second pivot pin 94 is disposed adjacent the secondone of the wheel wells 48. The first and second pivot pins 94 aresubstantially coaxially aligned with axles 49 of wheels 16. Thus, whenseat 72 is moved between the folded and unfolded position, seat 72pivots about an axis that is aligned with the axles of the wheels 16.

Seat panels 76 a, 76 b are secured around portions of seat frame members74 a, 74 b. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 13, seat panel 76 a issecured to one or more straps 77 that are fixedly mounted on back panel12 d and back support plate 52 by fasteners 79. A buckle 81 is providedto slide up and down straps 77 as seat 72 is folded and unfolded. Seatpanel 76 a is secured to buckle 81 by a fabric tab 83.

Seat frame member 74 a is provided with friction pads 82. When bag 10 isplaced on a surface in an upright position as illustrated in theattached figures, brackets 80 and friction pads 82 abut that surface andthus provide a stable base for the seat 72. Although not illustratedherein, seat frame 74 may be provided with some type of limiting deviceor stop that will only permit a range of pivotal motion between framemembers 74 a and 74 b. This, limiting device will thereby prevent totalcollapse of the seat 72 when a user sits down on the first panel member76 a.

Seat 72 is provided with a first seat panel 76 a that is fixedly securedalong a top edge to top panel 12 a of bag and along a second edge to aportion of seat frame member 74 b. First seat panel 76 a is the panelupon which a user will sit when the seat 72 in the unfolded position.Seat 72 is also provided with a second set panel 76 b that is secured toa portion of seat frame member 74 b and to a portion of seat framemember 74 a and is configured to flex and move along these portions ofthe frame members as the seat is moved between the folded and unfoldedpositions.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, second seat panel 76 b may beprovided with pockets 84 to be used to store sporting equipment therein,such as water bottles 206, when seat 72 is in the unfolded position.These pockets 84 are not necessarily provided on seat 72 (see FIG. 9).Bag 10 preferably is also provided with a transparent pouch 73 intowhich a name tag or other information may be inserted. Preferably, pouch73 is attached to bag 10 by a zipper 75 and is detachable from bag 10.

Second seat panel 76 b preferably is also provided with connectors 32 c,32 d that are matingly engageable with connectors 32 b, 32 a,respectively, to secure seat 72 in the folded position against backpanel 12 d of bag 10. This is shown in FIG. 9. Additionally, theseconnectors 32 a-32 d may be utilized to secure adjacent bags 10 a, 10 b,10 c together. FIG. 14 illustrates three bags 10 a, 10 b, 10 c beingganged together. The seat of bag 10 a has not been illustrated to showhow the connectors on the back panels 12 d of bags 10 a and 10 b aresecured together. Connector 32 b of bag 10 a is secured to connector 32a of bag 10 b. Although not visible, connector 32 b of bag 10 b issecured to connector 32 a of bag 10 c. Additionally, connector 32 d ofbag 10 b is secured to connector 32 c of bag 10 c. It will be understoodthat in a similar fashion a connector 32 d on bag 10 a will be securedto connector 32 c on bag 10 b. This ganged arrangement of bags 10 a-10 cprovides a way for athletes to create a temporary bench area on thesidelines of any sporting event. Furthermore, although not illustratedin these figures, the first seat panels 76 a of each of bags 10 a, 10 b,10 c may be provided with a graphic thereon. The graphic can be a teamlogo or a portion of a team logo. Thus, when bags 10 a-10 c are gangedtogether the team logo is clearly displayed.

Although not illustrated herein, it should be understood that bags 10a-10 c may be provided with additional connectors that will permit themto be ganged together even when the seats 72 are in the folded andsecured position shown in FIG. 9.

In accordance with yet another specific feature of the presentinvention, a mesh insert 96 may be provided in back panel 12 dintermediate seat 72 and the interior compartment 24. When seat 72 is inthe unfolded position shown in FIG. 10, mesh insert 96 permits airflowinto compartment 24 thus aiding in airing and drying out articlesretained within compartment 24.

FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative configuration of a bag 110 and seatframe 174 from those shown in FIGS. 1-14. Specifically, in FIG. 15, thewheels 116 are mounted on axles secured to seat frame member 174 ainstead of being mounted on axles secured in the wheel wells (not shown)on the base frame assembly (not shown). All other components of bag 110are identical to those of bag 10. The support 118, frame member 174 band wheels 116 provide a solid base for the seat 172.

Bag 10 is used in the following manner. If bag 10 is initially in theexpanded position (FIG. 1), the user will unzip one of zippers 20 and 22to insert articles into compartment 24. If bag 10 is designed for use bya soccer player, for example, the player can retain a ball 200 inexpandable net 64. If bag is designed for use by a hockey player such asa goalie, for example, straps 66 may be used to retain pads 202 againstfront panel 12 c once zippers 20, 22 have been closed. A hockey stick204 can be inserted into pocket 70. When all of the player's gear isretained in and on bag 10, handle 14 is moved into the expanded position(FIG. 1), bag is tilted so that the player can utilize wheels 16 to movebag 10 along a surface.

When the player reaches the playing field or arena, bag 10 is placed inthe position shown in FIG. 1 with wheels 16 and supports 18 retainingbag 10 in the vertically upright position. Handle 14 may be collapsedinwardly into handle frame 50 and zippers 20 and/or 22 unzipped for theplayer to gain access to articles in compartment 24. If needed, theplayer can lay bag 10 flat on its back so that back panel 12 d touchesthe ground. Zipper 22 is used to gain access to the articles withincompartment 24 and also permits free airflow into the interiorcompartment 24. Any equipment stored in net 64, straps 66 and pockets 70is obviously removed when needed and, in the case of straps 66, isremoved prior to unzipping zippers 20, 22.

If and when desired, bag 10 may be positioned to permit seat 72 to beused for sitting. In order to access seat 72, connectors 32 b, 32 c aredisengaged and connectors 32 a, 32 d are disengaged. The player thengrasps the upper end of seat frame member 74 b adjacent top panel 12 aand pulls the same outwardly away from back panel 12 d. This motioncauses seat frame member 74 b to pivot about pivot pins 86 in brackets80. This, in turn, causes seat frame member 74 a to pivot relative toseat frame member 74 b and bottom end of seat frame member 74 b thatincludes friction pads 82 is moved outwardly away from back panel 12 dof bag. The movement also causes seat panel 76 a to move from asubstantially vertical orientation (FIG. 9) to a substantiallyhorizontal orientation (FIG. 10). Bottom end of seat frame member 76 awith friction pads 82, brackets 80, wheels 16 and supports 18 provide astrong, firm base for seat 72. The player can then sit on seat panel 76a. As illustrated in FIG. 10, pockets 84 on seat 72 can be used toretain articles such as water bottles 206 in an easily accessed locationon seat 72.

As previously described, bag 10 may be secured to one or two identicalbags used by other team members of the player to form a temporary bencharea on the sidelines. This is accomplished by securing adjacent bagsand seats together using connectors 32 a-32 d. When a plurality of bags10 in accordance with the present invention are ganged together in thismanner, each player can individually still access the articles retainedin the compartment 24 of his bag as the zippers 20, 22 are easilyaccessible on the opposite side of the ganged bags. As illustrated inFIG. 10, when seat 72 is in the folded out position, mesh insert 96permits air to flow into compartment 24 to dry articles retainedtherein. Insert 96 is covered by seat 72 when it is returned to itsfolded position.

Additionally, if the bags are provided with graphics or all or part ofthe team's logo on front panels 12 c, specifically on panel portions 28,the combined graphic is displayed prominently on the opposite side ofthe ganged bags from seats 72. It will, of course, be understood thatseat panel 76 a may also be provided with a graphic or logo that isdisplayed when seat 72 is in either of the folded or unfolded position.

When the game is over, the connectors 32 a-32 d are disengaged, theseats 72 are folded up by reversing the steps previously set out, andthe connectors 32 a-32 d are used to lock the folded seat 72 against theback panel 12 d of bag 10. The player will place all pieces of sportingequipment, such as balls 200, pads 202, sticks 204 etc. in the relevantstorage areas of bag 10. Handle 14 is moved to its extended position andbag 10 is wheeled away.

Referring to FIGS. 16-18 and in accordance with yet another feature ofthe present invention, bag 10 is designed to be movable between anexpanded condition (FIG. 1) and a collapsed condition (FIG. 18). In itsexpanded condition, bag 10 is used for retaining articles andtransporting the same from one location to another. When bag 10 is notneeded for this purpose, it can be moved to the collapsed condition forstorage purposes. FIGS. 16-18 show the relationships between the framemembers which enable this movement between the collapsed and expandedconditions to occur. In these figures the fabric panels 12 a-12 f havebeen removed so that the movement of the frame members of frame 26 canbe more easily seen.

Initially, as best seen in FIG. 2, first side frame member 40 extendsoutwardly away from back support panel 52 at an angle of about ninetydegrees. Similarly, second side frame member 42 extends outwardly awayfrom back support panel 52 at an angle of about ninety degrees. Bottomplate 44 also extends outwardly from back support panel 52 at an angleof about ninety degrees.

Bag 10 is collapsed from the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to theposition shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 in four steps. In the first step, oneor both of locking members 90, 92 are disengaged to permit one or bothof first and second side frame members 40, 42 to be moved between theirextended and collapsed positions. In the second step, first side framemember 40 is pivoted about first pivot assembly 54 and is rotatedinwardly in the direction indicated by arrow “A” (FIG. 16) toward handleframe 50. The motion causes first side frame member 40 to move througharound ninety degrees relative to its initial position. The motionbrings the second leg 40 c of first side frame member 40 into closerproximity with handle frame 50. The leg 40 e of first side frame member40 is also brought into substantial alignment with hinge 58.

In the third step toward collapsing bag 10, second side frame member 42is pivoted about second pivot member assembly 56 and rotated in thedirection of arrow “B” (FIG. 16) toward handle frame 50. The movementcauses second side frame member 42 to move through around ninety degreesrelative to its initial position. This motion brings the second leg 42 cof second side frame member 42 into closer proximity with the second leg40 c of first side frame member 40. The leg 42 e of second side framemember 42 is also brought into substantial alignment with hinge 58.

In the fourth step toward collapsing bag 10, bottom plate 44 is rotatedupwardly in the direction of arrow “C” (FIG. 16) about hinge 58 to theposition shown in FIGS. 17 & 18. This motion causes bottom plate 44 tomove through around ninety degrees relative to its initial position.FIG. 17 also shows that bottom plate 44 includes L-shaped cut out zones86 that accommodate wheel wells 48. This permits bottom plate 44 to bebrought into close proximity with leg 42 c of second side frame member42. As is evident from FIG. 18, the collapsed bag 10 is of a far smallerwidth “W1” than is the fully expanded bag that has a width “W” (FIG. 7a).

In order to move bag 10 from the collapsed position (FIG. 18) to theexpanded position (FIG. 1), the four steps are reversed.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show the frame of a bag in accordance with the presentinvention and illustrating a second embodiment of a first and secondside frame member 140, 142 that may be utilized therein. Frame 126comprises a base frame assembly to which the two side frame members 140,142 and a bottom plate 144 are secured. The base frame assemblycomprises a top frame member 134, a back plate 146, a handle frame 150and a back support plate 52 that are secured to each other. The baseframe assembly preferably also includes a pair of wheel assemblies eachcomprising a wheel well 148, an axle 149 and a wheel rotatably mountedon axle 149.

First and second side frame members 140, 142 are substantially identicalin shape and preferably are both substantially L-shaped. First sideframe member 140 comprises a generally straight first leg 140 d and agenerally arcuate second leg 140 e. Preferably, first leg 140 d ismanufactured from fiberglass and is secured to the top frame member 134and exterior wall of the bag such that first leg 140 d of first sideframe member 140 remains stationary at all times. Second leg 140 e mayinclude a ninety degree elbow or may include one or more bends. Secondleg 140 e preferably is manufactured from metal and one end of secondleg 140 e connects to a lowermost end of first leg 140 d. In a firstinstance, the end of second leg 140 e which connects to the lowermostend of first leg 140 d is of a different diameter to the lowermost endsuch that the lowermost end is received within a bore in the end ofsecond leg 140 e or the end of the second leg is received within a borein the lowermost end of first leg 140 d. Alternatively, a pivot assemblysimilar to pivot assembly 54 may be used to secure first and second legs140 e, 140 e together. In either instance, first and second legs 140 d,140 e are secured to each in such a manner that second leg 140 e is ableto be pivoted about a first axis extending longitudinally through firstleg 140 d.

Second leg 140 e is pivotable between an extended position (FIG. 19) anda collapsed position (FIG. 20). In the extended position, second leg 140e extends outwardly and forwardly away from the base frame assembly andsubstantially prevents bottom plate 144 from being pivoted upwardly intothe collapsed position. When first side frame member 140 is pivoted fromthe extended position into the collapsed position, the second leg 140 ethereof is moved through an arc of about ninety degrees, indicated byarrow “A” (FIG. 19) until it is disposed generally parallel to top framemember 134. Once in this position, bottom plate 144 is free to bepivoted upwardly into abutting contact with handle frame 150 so that thebag may be folded for storage.

FIG. 20 shows first side frame member 140 in the collapsed position. Inthis figure it can be seen that second leg 140 e is in close proximityto handle frame 150. Preferably, when in this collapsed position, atleast a portion of second leg 140 e is in abutting contact with at leasta portion of the base frame assembly. Additionally, a portion of secondleg 140 e is generally aligned with hinge 158.

When first side frame member 140 is moved from the collapsed position tothe extended position, the second leg 140 e thereof is rotated in adirection opposite to arrow “A” through about ninety degrees from theposition where it is substantially parallel to top frame member 134 tothe position where it extends generally outwardly away from the baseframe assembly and at an angle of about ninety degrees relative to topframe member 134.

Second side frame member 142 is substantially identical in structure andfunction to first side frame member 140 and comprises a generallystraight first leg 142 d and a generally arcuate second leg 142 e thatare pivotally connected together. FIG. 19 shows second leg 142 eextending outwardly and forwardly away from base frame assembly at anangle of around ninety degrees relative to top frame member 134. Whensecond side frame member 142 is moved from this extended position intothe collapsed position, second leg 142 e is rotated through about ninetydegrees in a direction opposite to the rotational movement of second leg140 e of first side frame member 140. The direction of rotation ofsecond leg 142 e is indicated by arrow “B” in FIG. 19.

If second leg 140 e of first frame member 140 is rotated into itscollapsed position before second leg 142 e of second side frame member142, then when second leg 142 e is moved into the collapsed position,second leg 142 e will be disposed in close proximity to second leg 140 eand preferably is in abutting contact therewith. Alternatively, ifsecond leg 142 e is pivoted into the collapsed position before secondleg 140 e, then second leg 142 e will be in close proximity to handleframe 150 and preferably will be in abutting contact therewith. Thesecond leg 140 e may then be pivoted into close proximity with thesecond leg 142 e and thereby be disposed remote from handle frame 150.When second leg 142 e of second side frame member 142 is in thecollapsed position, a portion thereof is disposed substantially alignedwith hinge 158.

It should be understood that because the first legs 140 d and 142 d arefixed to both the top frame member 134 and the exterior wall, they maybe considered to be part of the base frame assembly. If this is thecase, then the second legs 140 e and 142 e essentially constitute thefirst and second side frame members that are pivotally secured to thebase frame assembly. Each of the second legs 140 e and 142 e is stillgenerally L-shaped as a portion thereof is generally aligned with firstlegs 140 d or 142 d, and a second portion thereof is disposed generallyat right angles to the first portion.

Other arrangements of the components of the base frame assembly and sideframe members are possible to construct bags of different shapes to thatshown in the attached Figures.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity,clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because suchterms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadlyconstrued.

Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention are anexample and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown ordescribed.

1. A bag for carrying articles comprising: a base frame assembly: afirst side frame member; a first pivot assembly securing the first sideframe member to the base frame assembly, wherein the first side framemember is pivotable between an extended position and a collapsedposition, and when in the extended position at least a portion of thefirst side frame member extends at an angle outwardly and forwardly awayfrom the base frame assembly, and when in the collapsed position theportion of the first side frame member is disposed generally parallel tothe base frame assembly; an exterior wall disposed around the base frameassembly and the first side frame member; and an interior compartmentdefined and bounded by the exterior wall; and wherein the compartment isof a first volume when the first side frame member is in the extendedposition and is of a second volume when the first side frame member isin the collapsed position, and the second volume is smaller than thefirst volume.
 2. The bag as defined in claim 1, further comprising alocking member that is selectively engaged to lock the first side framemember against movement between the extended and collapsed positions,and is selectively disengaged to permit movement of the first side framemember between the extended and collapsed positions.
 3. The bag asdefined in claim 2, wherein the locking member is disposed on one ormore of the base frame assembly, first side frame assembly and firstpivot assembly.
 4. The bag as defined in claim 1, further comprising: asecond side frame member; a second pivot assembly securing the secondside frame member to the base frame assembly a spaced distance from thefirst pivot assembly; and wherein the second side frame member ispivotable between an extended position and a collapsed position, andwhen in the extended position at least a portion of the second sideframe member extends at an angle outwardly and forwardly away from thebase frame assembly, and when in the collapsed position the portion ofthe second side frame member is disposed generally parallel to the baseframe assembly; wherein the exterior wall additionally surrounds thesecond side frame member and the compartment is increased in volumebeyond the first volume to a third volume when the second side framemember is in its extended position.
 5. The bag as defined in claim 4,wherein the first and second side frame members are rotated outwardlyaway from each other when moved from their collapsed positions to theirextended positions, and are rotated inwardly toward each other whenmoved from their extended positions to their collapsed positions.
 6. Thebag as defined in claim 4, further comprising; a bottom plate; a hingeconnecting the bottom plate to the base frame assembly a spaced distanceaway from the first and second pivot assemblies; said hinge permittingthe bottom plate to be rotated between an extended position where itextends at an angle outwardly and forwardly away from the base frameassembly, and a collapsed position where it is disposed generallyparallel to the base frame assembly; and wherein the exterior walladditionally surrounds the bottom plate and the volume of thecompartment is increased beyond the first size when the bottom plate isin its extended position and is decreased when the bottom plate is inits collapsed position.
 7. The bag as defined in claim 6, wherein thefirst and second side frame members and the bottom plate are eachindependently movable between their extended positions and theircollapsed positions.
 8. The bag as defined in claim 6, wherein one ormore of the first side frame member, second side frame member and bottomplate extend outwardly away from the base frame assembly at an angle ofaround ninety degrees when in the extended position.
 9. The bag asdefined in claim 6, wherein one or more of the first and second sideframe members and bottom plate are pivotable through about ninetydegrees between their extended position and collapsed position.
 10. Thebag as defined in claim 4, wherein the base frame assembly comprises: atop frame member; a back plate member disposed a spaced distance fromthe top frame member and being substantially aligned therewith; and ahandle frame member extending between the top frame member and backplate member.
 11. The bag as defined in claim 10, wherein both of thefirst side frame member and the second side frame member extendoutwardly away from the top frame member and in the same directiontoward the back plate member.
 12. The bag as defined in claim 11,wherein the first side frame member is pivotable about a first axisdisposed substantially orthogonal to the top frame member and the secondside frame member is pivotable about a second axis disposedsubstantially orthogonal to the top frame member and parallel to thefirst axis.
 13. The bag as defined in claim 4, wherein each of the firstand second side frame members are one of generally D-shaped andgenerally L-shaped.
 14. The bag as defined in claim 4, wherein the firstside frame member is only secured to the base frame assembly by thefirst pivot assembly and the second side frame member is only secured tothe base frame assembly by the second pivot assembly.
 15. The bag asdefined in claim 1, wherein the exterior wall of the bag includes afront panel, and the bag further comprises: an opening defined in thefront panel, said opening providing access to the interior compartment;a flap complementary in size and shape to the opening, wherein a portionof the flap is substantially continuous with the front panel and theflap further includes an outer edge; a first zipper securing the outeredge of the flap to the front panel; said first zipper being movable ina first direction to permit access to the compartment and movable in asecond direction to prevent access to the compartment; and a detachablepanel disposed parallel to and adjacent an outer surface of the flap; asecond zipper securing the detachable panel to the outer surface of theflap; said second zipper being movable in a first direction to detachthe detachable panel from the flap and movable in a second direction toreattach the detachable panel to the flap.
 16. The bag as defined inclaim 1, further comprising an expandable net that is fixedly secured toa region of the exterior wall of the bag; said expandable net beingadapted to retain an article in abutting contact with the exterior wall.17. The bag as defined in claim 1, comprising a pair of strap members,each strap member being secured at a first end to the exterior wall ofthe bag and releasably securable at a second end to the other strapmember, and wherein the strap members cooperate with each other toretain an article in abutting contact with the exterior wall of the bag.18. The bag as defined in claim 10, further comprising a seat that ismovably secured to a back region of the bag; where the seat is disposedadjacent an exterior surface of the exterior wall; and wherein the seatincludes: a seat frame movable between a folded position and an unfoldedposition, and at least one seat panel mounted on the seat frame; andwherein at least a portion of the seat panel is available for sittingthereon when the seat frame is in the unfolded position, and the portionof the seat frame is not available for sitting thereon when the seatframe is in the folded position.
 19. The bag as defined in claim 18,wherein the seat frame includes: a first seat frame member; a secondseat frame member; at least one pivot pin securing the first and secondseat frame members together and permitting the seat frame members to berotated relative to each other to permit the seat to be moved betweenthe folded and unfolded position.
 20. The bag as defined in claim 19,further comprising: at least one strap member disposed on the backregion of the bag and being oriented to extend substantially between atop end and a bottom end of the bag; a connector securing one of thefirst and second seat frame members to the at least one strap member insuch a manner that the connector moves along the at least one strapmember as the seat frame is moved between the folded and unfoldedpositions.
 21. The bag as defined in claim 19, further comprising afirst and a second wheel assembly, and said first wheel assemblycomprises a first wheel well, a first wheel and a first wheel axle; andthe second wheel assembly comprises a second wheel well, a second wheeland a second wheel axle; and wherein the first wheel well is connectedto a second end of the first back frame member; and the second wheelwell is connected to a second end of the second back frame member. 22.The bag as defined in claim 21, wherein a first end of the first seatframe member is secured to the base frame assembly by a first pivot pindisposed adjacent the first wheel well and a second end of the firstseat frame member is secured to the base frame assembly by a secondpivot pin adjacent the second wheel well.
 23. The bag as defined inclaim 22, wherein the first wheel axle is mounted in the first wheelwell and first wheel is retained within the first wheel well; and thesecond wheel axle is mounted in the second wheel well and the secondwheel is retained within the second wheel well.
 24. The bag as definedin claim 22, wherein the first wheel axle is mounted on a first regionof the second seat frame member and the first wheel is mounted on thefirst wheel axle, and the second wheel axle is mounted on a secondregion of the second seat frame member and the second wheel is mountedon the second wheel axle; and wherein the first wheel is received in thefirst wheel well and the second wheel is received in the second wheelwell only when the seat is in the folded position.
 25. The bag asdefined in claim 18, further comprising: a first connector extendingoutwardly away from a portion of the exterior wall of the bag adjacent afirst side of the seat frame; a second connector extending outwardlyaway from a portion of the exterior wall of the bag adjacent a secondside of the seat frame; and wherein the first and second connectors areof a type that are connectable to each other; whereby the bag is adaptedto be secured to a second substantially identical bag to form atemporary bench.
 26. The bag as defined in claim 25, further comprising:a third connector mounted on one of the seat frame and the seat panel ina region thereof where the third connector is releasably engageable withthe first connector; and a fourth connector mounted on one of the seatframe and the seat panel in a region thereof where the fourth connectoris releasably engageable with the second connector, wherein the firstand third connectors and second and fourth connectors are engaged witheach other when the seat frame is in the folded position to retain theseat adjacent the back region of the bag.